In a recent series of events, Ukraine’s Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) reported drone strikes on a Shahed storage airbase in Primorsko-Akhtarsk and the Elektropribor military plant in Penza, which produces equipment for Russia’s defense industry. These attacks were conducted as two people were killed in Kherson due to Russian shelling. Simultaneously, reports emerged of a drone strike on an industrial facility in Novokuibyshevsk, prompting internet restrictions and airport suspension in the Samara Oblast. The Ukrainian Air Force reported it had suppressed 45 out of 53 Russian drones overnight.
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NATO unleashes a new $10 billion “combat wallet” for Ukraine, a move that feels like a significant escalation, especially in the face of escalating attacks on Ukrainian civilians. The sheer amount of funding, seemingly designed to keep the flow of arms and support continuous, is a clear signal of the West’s resolve. I can’t help but think of the potential impact of such a massive influx of resources, especially if it includes long-range missiles, which could drastically alter the battlefield dynamics. This “combat wallet” concept, a clever piece of wording, paints a picture of a decisive response to the ongoing aggression.… Continue reading
On Saturday, Ukrainian anti-corruption bodies announced the discovery of a corruption scheme involving the procurement of military drones and signal jamming systems at inflated prices. The agencies, NABU and SAPO, identified a lawmaker, officials, and national guard personnel receiving bribes in exchange for awarding contracts at inflated costs, with kickbacks reaching up to 30%. This revelation comes just days after the agencies’ independence was restored following widespread protests against a move to diminish their authority. President Zelenskyy has expressed a commitment to zero tolerance for corruption and the importance of just sentences, signaling the significance of the investigation.
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Overnight on August 2nd, industrial facilities across several Russian regions, including Ryazan, Penza, Samara, and Voronezh oblasts, were targeted in a series of drone attacks, as confirmed by Ukraine’s General Staff. Oil refineries in Ryazan and Samara, as well as the Elektropribor plant in Penza, were reportedly struck, causing fires and damage. Additionally, a fuel storage base in Voronezh Oblast and the Primorsko-Akhtarsk military airfield in Krasnodar Krai, used for Shahed drone storage and launch facilities, were also targeted by Ukrainian drones, the latter attack claimed by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). These attacks were reportedly a response to recent Russian strikes on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.
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Despite Republican claims of a smear campaign, a 29-page annex to the special counsel’s 2023 report revealed that John H. Durham could not definitively prove any connection between Trump and Russian collusion. The report includes an email from July 27, 2016, allegedly sent by a Soros Open Society Foundations staffer, outlining that Clinton had purportedly approved a plan to link Trump to Russian interference. This strategy was allegedly intended to divert attention from her use of a private email server while she was Secretary of State.
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In an attempt to distract from the Epstein case, Trump and his allies are using the declassified “Durham Annex” to allege Democratic misconduct related to the Russia investigation. The annex, which was released at the request of Senator Chuck Grassley, was touted as evidence that Hillary Clinton approved a plan to smear Trump with Russia collusion. However, the annex, in fact, appears to suggest that the “evidence” being touted as proof of conspiracies was fabricated by Russian intelligence. This diversion tactic, similar to the Durham investigation’s broader aim, is a way for Trump to redirect attention away from his own scandals, even if the claims prove to be false.
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Trump orders nuclear submarines moved near Russia, and it immediately sets off alarm bells, doesn’t it? It’s the kind of statement that gets everyone’s attention, especially when you consider the context. Former President Trump’s post on Truth Social, ordering two nuclear submarines to “appropriate regions” based on statements from Dmitry Medvedev, feels like a deliberate act. It’s meant to be a show of force, a way of saying, “We’re watching, and we’re ready.” But the question is, what does it *really* mean?
Now, the immediate reaction from many is that this is nothing new. The reality of nuclear strategy involves having submarines, those silent behemoths, patrolling the oceans, ready to launch at a moment’s notice.… Continue reading
Russia launches 6,400 drones, missiles into Ukraine in record-breaking month, and it’s hard not to be overwhelmed by the sheer scale of it. The number is staggering, and the implications are devastating. We’re talking about a relentless bombardment, a constant threat hanging over the heads of Ukrainian civilians. It’s a horrifying reality, especially when you think about the human cost – the lives lost, the families shattered, the constant fear. It’s impossible not to feel a surge of anger and frustration at the sheer brutality of it all. The targeting of civilians, the deliberate infliction of pain and suffering – it’s a war crime, plain and simple.… Continue reading
HIV cases among Russian soldiers have dramatically increased by 2,000% since the invasion of Ukraine, a new report indicates. This surge is attributed to factors such as unsafe medical practices and risky behaviors, like unprotected sex and drug use within the military. The report also suggests a broader impact, highlighting that Russia is now among the top countries globally for new HIV cases, a situation worsened by political decisions and the suppression of HIV/AIDS prevention efforts. Actions taken by the Kremlin, including targeting organizations like Elton John’s charity, have further hindered progress and contributed to the crisis.
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In a move further restricting online freedoms, Russian President Vladimir Putin has enacted a law fining individuals for intentionally seeking or accessing “extremist” content online, including through VPNs and search engines. Penalties range from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles for individuals, with steeper fines for those advertising access to banned resources. The definition of “extremism” in Russia is broad and has been used to suppress dissenting voices and information challenging the Kremlin’s narrative. Additionally, the law introduces fines for the illegal transfer of subscriber data. This law arrives amidst a broader crackdown on internet freedom in Russia, marked by increased censorship and the blocking of hundreds of thousands of websites in 2024.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood